Phoenix - Brewers closer John Axford, a real movie buff, has fun every year picking the winners in various categories for the Academy Awards, tweeting his choices ahead of time.

Axford almost ran the table in the 15 categories in which he made picks Sunday night, missing only Best Director. He went with Steven Spielberg of "Lincoln" and Ang Lee of "Life of Pi" was the winner in probably the biggest upset of the night. | Feb. 25, 2013»Read Full Blog Post(1)

Exploring the convergence of botany with booze, Amy Stewart applies her infectious curiosity to herbs, flowers, trees, fruits and nuts that make our favorite and lesser-known libations.

From bugs in booze and homemade grenadine to parsnip wine and the botany of beer, Stewart takes readers on a garden tour like no other in "The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World's Great Drinks" ($19.95, Algonquin). | April 2, 2013»Read Full Article

There's been a lot of interest in Milwaukee around the Violent Femmes' reunion and the Milwaukee band's homecoming show at Summerfest, but it's not the only internationally-known Wisconsin act that's back at it after an extended hiatus. Alt rock band Garbage, which hails from Madison, is back at it and playing Milwaukee for the first time in nearly eight years. I preview that show--happening Saturday at the Eagles Ballroom--and a couple others for this week's Concert Corner with CineStars' Brittany Umar.

The Milwaukee County Parks will offer "Free Fishing Clinics" for children ages 15 and under April 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at eleven county parks.

Youngsters can learn how to tie fishing knots, identify fish, and get introduced to proper fishing techniques. The clinics begin every hour with the last clinic starting at 2 p.m. | April 1, 2013»Read Full Article

The new Pizza Man is stepping up its game as it assembles its team: The restaurant has hired Lake Park Bistro chef de cuisine Zachary Baker as its executive chef and Mason Street Grill certified sommelier Heather Korte as its general manager.

Pizza Man, the landmark restaurant that operated on E. North Ave. from 1970 until it was destroyed by fire in 2010, is due to reopen in June at N. Downer Ave. and E. Belleview Place. | April 1, 2013»Read Full Blog Post(11)

The Cure, Mumford & Sons, Nine Inch Nails, the Killers, Phoenix, Vampire Weekend, Queens of the Stone Age, the Lumineers, Kendrick Lamar, New Order, Eric Church and a reunited Postal Service will all be at Lollapalooza at Chicago’s Grant Park Aug. 2 to 4.

Hanson, the Tulsa siblings who created a pop hit-making machine, will play the Pabst Theater at 8 p.m. Oct. 12.

Drawing on roots that include R&B, rock and country, Hanson has played together for almost two decades, remaining a musical force despite health scares and issues with recording companies. The band is known for its charitable works, particularly for African causes. | April 1, 2013»Read Full Article